The Birmingham based Hard Rock band STARFIGHTERS, initially called SAVAGE, had been signed to Jive Records, part of the Zomba organization, in 1980. The band's debut line-up consisted of vocalist Steve Burton, guitarist Stevie Young, a nephew of AC/DC's Angus and Malcolm, guitarist Pat Hambley, bassist Doug Dennis and ex-FLYING HAT BAND and BULLION drummer Barry 'Spence' Scrannage. The latter was soon replaced by former HOLLY AND THE ITALIANS drummer Steve Bailey, Scrannage going on to create THE ALLIANCE.

Prior to the formation of the STARFIGHTERS, Steve Burton was previously vocalist with Punk act THE SUBURBAN STUDS, very briefly a member of GLENN TIPTON's FLYING HAT BAND and Birmingham Hard Rock outfit CRYER.

After debuting with the independently released 'I'm Falling' 7" single, on the Motorcuty Rhythm label, the band was thrown straight in at the deep end supporting AC/DC in 1980. Subsequent rumours suggested that Burton had been offered the job of replacing the late Bon Scott in AC/DC, but had turned the opportunity down on the grounds of health, fearing his own vices would lead towards a similar fate.

Following the release of the well received debut Tony Platt produced album for Jive in 1981, the STARFIGHTERS opened for MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP on a British tour, TRUST on a French tour and then landed the honour of opening for OZZY OSBOURNE in North America.

The band hooked up with KROKUS manager Butch Stone and released 'In Flight Movie' in 1983, again produced by Tony Platt, as a creditable follow up to the debut, but inexplicably were dropped by Jive.

There followed a lengthy hiatus before the STARFIGHTERS reformed in the late 80s and the group once more were quick to build up their local following in the Birmingham area, but despite some notorious live performances the STARFIGHTERS failed to gain label attention.

The new look STARFIGHTERS found Burton and Young with ex-RADIO MOSCOW bassist Steve Redvers (a.k.a. Steve Hill), drummer Jamie Hawkins and guitarist Rik Sandford. The latter had been a member of ELECTRIC WARRIOR, Dave Martin from MARSHALL LAW's erstwhile band, as well as SLENDERTHREAD.

The AC/DC connection would crop up once more in the STARFIGHTERS story as Stevie Young was asked to deputise for Malcolm Young for dates on the 'Blow Up Your Video' World tour in 1988. Stevie's first payment for this job was a new front tooth he had previously lost to a baseball bat in a brawl with a night club doorman.

After the final STARFIGHTERS split, Young went on to form WORLD WAR III with Steve Redvers, guitarist Nick Slater and erstwhile BAJJON vocalist Ivan Norris. The outfit soon adopted the name LITTLE BIG HORN and signed to AC/DC's management. Live work was undertaken and demos recorded, butthis band failed to issue commercial product.

Redvers was to later assist BLACK SABBATH with some studio work prior to joining THE GRIP then becoming a roadie for DEEP PURPLE, whilst Rik Sanford very briefly flirted with UFO before disappearing. Hawkins issued an album with his other act SURFACE and had a fleeting stint as drummer for HAWKWIND.

Steve Burton subsequently fronted VINCENT FLATS AND THE FINAL DRIVE after a stint in the late 80s with Brum act the E NUMBERS. The STARFIGHTERS reunited for a Birmingham concert in December 2006.